Zona Grill Surprises With Venezuelan Flavors in Wynwood

Parked just off North Miami Avenue in a small alcove between NW 30th and 31st Streets, the wood-paneling-clad food truck serves Venezuelan favorites from morning until night. Although it's been open nearly six months, the truck has remained a virtual secret among the Venezuelan community and Wynwood's late-night crew. With little more than a pair of picnic tables and the rainbow stripes of the national flag serving as a sign, it's no wonder Zona has remained off the radar.

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Those familiar with neighborhood favorite La Latina will be pleased with the menu at Zona Grill. Naturally, the corn arepas, grilled until golden brown and filled with everything from white cheese to pulled pork, remain the main attraction. However, tequeños (fried cheese sticks); empanadas stuffed with cheese, beef, or fish; and even the hamburguesa caraceña -- a Venezuelan take on the American classic, covered in three kinds of meat, a fried egg and potatoes -- round out the menu.

On a recent visit just before lunchtime, a plate of patacones con mechada -- fried plantain cakes topped with shredded cabbage, beef, cheese, and three sauces including ketchup (yes, ketchup) -- made for an incredible midday snack. For those interested in Venezuelan beverages, a glass of papelón con limón, made with raw sugarcane juice and lemon for a hint of acidity, washes down the fried foods nicely. Prices for most dishes hover around $6 to $7 and max out at $10.

Patacones con mechada

Photo by Patrick Hieger

Zona Grill is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and much later, until around 3 a.m., on weekends. Parking for at least four cars is available, as are a stand-up counter and seating for about ten people. For a better look at the menu, follow Zona Grill on Instagram or Facebook.